'Didn't know if I would play Test cricket' - Ravi Ashwin recalls his mental state during lockdown

Arguably the finest spinner going around, Ravichandran Ashwin became India’s third highest-wicket taker in Test matches during the recently-concluded Kanpur Test against New Zealand. The veteran bowler went past his fellow off-spinner Harbhajan Singh’s tally of 417 wickets to get the landmark. Notably, Ashwin got the feat in his 80th Test appearance while Harbhajan required 103 Test matches to scalp 417 wickets in the format.

This speaks volumes of the off-spinner’s ability. Ashwin has indeed been a formidable force in Test matches ever since making his debut in the format in 2011. However, the 35-year-old feared that he won’t be able to play the purest format of the game after cricket activities came to a halt due to the COVID-19 virus last year. Ashwin made the major revelation in an interaction with teammate Shreyas Iyer for the BCCI website.

I stood at a crossroads thinking if I would ever play Test cricket: Ravi Ashwin

“To be very modest about what has been going on in my life and career over the past two years, I was unsure if I would continue to play test cricket when we were in the pandemic, during the lockdown,” Ashwin said.

“I hadn’t played the last (India) test in Christchurch (which went underway on February 29, 2020). I stood at a crossroads thinking if I would replay the tests, where my future is headed, can I get into the test team which is the only format I play. But God was kind and I was able to change things, “he said.

The 35-year-old also revealed that his stint with Delhi Capitals in the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) helped him get his confidence back. “I then moved to Delhi Capitals when you (Shryas) were captain and things have changed since,” he said further.

Meanwhile, Ashwin also revealed that Harbhajan Singh’s heroics in the 2001 home series against Australia inspired him to play at the highest level. “When he (Harbhajan) performed this wonderful spell against Australia in 2001, I never thought I would even be a fake (someday) that day. But, inspired by him, I picked up the ball to go bowling and here I am. Thank you Bhajji pa for inspiring me,” said the talismanic cricketer